For further information please
contact Forward Planning:
Telephone: 01638 719446
Email:
fp@forest-heath.gov.uk
Attractive buildings, streets, parks and open spaces, especially
those with a mixture of compatible uses and historic character, all
contribute to making Forest Heath a special place which is a
pleasure to live in. The quality of our surroundings is also now
recognised as a vital factor in attracting and retaining
businesses, employers and tourists.
The District has many historic buildings, so it is important
that we should preserve and enhance our architectural heritage. It
is also vital that we strive to improve the quality of design of
new development and avoid some of the mistakes of the past.
Design of New Development
Good design should be the aim of all involved in the development
process, but it is primarily the responsibility of designers and
their clients. Nevertheless, the appearance of proposed development
and its relationship to its surroundings are material
considerations in determining planning applications.
Good design is concerned with all the practical aspects of building
design; soundness of construction, energy conservation, drainage,
access, car parking, daylight and overshadowing for instance, as
well as quality of appearance. But well designed buildings can
enrich our surroundings and cultural life.
Good design is about quality more than style and taste. New
development should meet all the necessary practical design
considerations, it should not damage the environment,
and it should respect its surroundings. In Conservation Areas
the design of new buildings needs careful consideration. A
more 'traditional' approach, not necessarily slavishly copying the
past but complementing it, with the use of traditional forms and
materials may be appropriate. Imaginative modern designs which
make a 'statement' may also be suitable in some
locations.
All relevant planning applications must be accompanied by a
statement about the design principles and concepts that have been
applied to the development.
Urban Design
'Urban Design' involves the design of buildings, groups of
buildings and the spaces between and around them. Good design
ensures attractive usable, durable and adaptable places,
and contributes towards achieving sustainable
development. Good design should, make places better for
people, and promotes a higher quality of life.
Design which is inappropriate in its context, or
which fails to take any opportunities available for improving the
character of an area or the way it functions is not
acceptable.
In order to achieve high quality design reference should be
made to advice and best practice as set out in:
- 'Building for life - Delivering Great Places to live' (CABE and
HBF 2007)
- 'Manual for Streets' (DFT/DCLG 2007)
- 'By Design - better places to live - A companion guide to
PPG3' . (DTLR and Cabe 2001)
- 'Urban Design Compendium' English Partnerships & Housing
Corporation 2000)
- 'By Design - Urban design in the planning system: towards
better practice'. (DTLR and Cabe 2000)
- 'Suffolk Design Guide for Residential Areas'. (Suffolk Local
Authorities 1993)
- 'The Suffolk Conservation Manual - Design Guidelines
for Highways Works in Conservation Areas'. (Suffolk Local
Authorities 2000)
- 'The Suffolk Countryside Manual - Design Guidelines
for Highways Works in Rural Areas' . (Suffolk Local
Authorities 2003)
- 'Safer Places: the planning system & crime prevention'
(ODPM & Home Office 2004)
Public Art
The Council encourages public art as an integral part of new
development or refurbishments. Public art enriches our
surroundings, symbolises community identity and adds value to
developments.